Chapter 104: The 18-Year-Old's Confession

"Boss, do you think the charm of a big director is really that great? Are films with this level of intensity really so sought after?"

Liu Yan sat in the car and chatted with Wei Jin about the latest gossip.

The most lively topic in the film and television circle this July was undoubtedly *Lust, Caution*.

During the Shanghai International Film Festival, Li An announced news of the project; it was said that the production crew was already prepared, with filming scheduled to start in September. Everything was ready, except for the most important female lead, who had yet to be confirmed. For a time, domestic actresses seemed to have taken some kind of drug, collectively reaching a climax.

Starting from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, Li An headed north. A large number of students from art schools like the Beijing Film Academy, the Central Academy of Drama, and even the Beijing Dance Academy, along with artists from numerous talent agencies and film companies, were all racking their brains to get a foot in the door with the Oscar-winning director.

The influence of an international director was just that exaggerated; the entire circle was in a state of agitation.

"In this country, male stars and female stars are different. The further female stars go, the more intense the competition becomes, and the less marketability they have. A big director is the best ladder for advancement."

Wei Jin didn't find it strange at all; he could only say that film resources in the circle were too scarce, especially projects from famous big directors.

"But, this is just too..."

"You want to say it's lacking self-respect? Heh, this is sacrificing oneself for art. You have to know, there are many actresses in the circle who want to get ahead; if they can get an opportunity, they should be burning incense in gratitude."

Liu Yan hadn't truly stepped into the film and television circle and didn't know the law of the jungle within it, nor did she know how many female students from art schools slept their way up from crew production assistants, lighting technicians, Casting Directors, and Executive Directors just for a single role.

After a moment of silence, the two arrived at their destination: Dongshanshu, located on the East Fourth Ring Road, Jing Tian's home.

"Brother Wei Jin, Sister Liu Yan, you're here."

Jing Tian was very happy to see Wei Jin. It had been nearly two months since they last met, and sometimes she would dream of Wei Jin at night; she certainly knew what this meant for her.

Leading the two all the way to the living room, they saw Jing Tian's parents sitting on the sofa.

"Dad, Mom, this is Brother Wei Jin and Sister Liu Yan. They are both my good friends."

"Hello, Uncle and Auntie."

Wei Jin and Liu Yan hurriedly greeted them, though they felt a bit strange inside—why were they the only guests? "Young man, you're not bad. You put your heart into the matter from last time."

Jing Tian's father looked to be in his forties and was a bit stout, but his eyes were bright and spirited.

Jing Tian's father had already cleared up the previous matter through other channels. Although Jing Tian might not have needed Wei Jin to stand up for her, Wei Jin was still willing to do so, and Jing Tian's father had to acknowledge the favor. What's more, Wei Jin had almost been injured because of it, so even though it was their first meeting, Jing Tian's father had a very good impression of Wei Jin.

"You're too kind, Uncle. Tian Tian is so cute; I couldn't let her suffer any grievances no matter what."

Wei Jin didn't take credit for it; it was his fault to begin with, but he didn't know what to talk about with Jing Tian's father for a moment.

Liu Yan was chatting quite happily with Jing Tian's mother, and Jing Tian would chime in from time to time from the side.

"Little Wei, do you know how to play Chinese chess? Dinner will be a while yet; shall we two men play a round?"

Seeming to notice that Wei Jin was a bit uncomfortable, Jing Tian's father took the initiative to speak:

"Sure, Uncle, but I'm just a terrible player, you'll have to go easy on me."

Since he had nothing better to do, Wei Jin went along with it.

The two went to the study, Jing Tian's father instructed the nanny to brew some tea, and Wei Jin set up the chessboard.

Chinese chess was something that basically every adult knew a little bit about, and Wei Jin was no exception. In his past life, he had clients who were fond of it, and by catering to their interests, Wei Jin could be considered a standout among amateur players.

The two fought to a standstill, evenly matched, but in the end, Wei Jin was a move behind.

Having won a game, Jing Tian's father felt a sense of lingering enjoyment. While resetting the board, he said, "Your skills are not bad, Little Wei, it's just that your playing style is a bit conservative; you don't seem like a young man."

"Uncle is right. It's mainly because your offense is too fierce, so I can only defend."

Wei Jin didn't argue; he knew his own situation. In his past life, he was always playing with clients, so what would be the point of being too aggressive?

"Dad, Brother Wei Jin, come out to eat soon..."

Jing Tian poked her little head into the study to remind the two.

Jing Tian's father, still feeling a bit unfulfilled, had no choice but to stop and invite Wei Jin to the dining room.

"Tian Tian, I don't even know what to say about your dad's drinking capacity. You go entertain your friends first; I'll take him to his room to rest. Little Wei, Little Liu, please make yourselves at home. I'm so sorry."

Jing Tian's mother said to Jing Tian with a bit of complaint.

"Auntie, you're too kind, don't worry about us."

Just now at the table, Jing Tian's father and Wei Jin were chatting enthusiastically, clinking glasses and trading drinks back and forth—it was quite lively.

But after only a few drinks, Jing Tian's father became tipsy and started calling Wei Jin his brother, which made Jing Tian feel incredibly awkward.

Seeing that only the three of them were left in the living room, Liu Yan, being very observant, took out her phone and walked into the front courtyard.

"Brother Wei Jin, would you like to see my room?"

Jing Tian's heart was pounding at this moment. Liu Yan had already created an opportunity for her, so she naturally had to seize it.

"Sure, I've never seen what a young girl's room looks like." Since the girl had invited him, Wei Jin naturally wouldn't spoil the mood and appeared full of enthusiasm.

Just as they arrived in the upstairs bedroom, Jing Tian threw herself into Wei Jin's arms: "Brother Wei Jin..."

Smelling the youthful fragrance coming from Jing Tian and feeling the passion released by the girl in his arms, Wei Jin wrapped his hands around Jing Tian's waist: "Tian Tian, what's wrong?"

"Brother Wei Jin, I'm already eighteen..."

Jing Tian raised her head and looked at Wei Jin with some anticipation:

"I know. Happy birthday! I've prepared a gift for you; we'll see if you like it later."

Wei Jin naturally wouldn't forget the theme of the day; the item was already in his bag.

"I'm not talking about that. I mean, I'm already an adult."

Jing Tian was a bit annoyed by the man's lack of romantic intuition; how could a girl easily say certain things?

Looking at the girl in his arms, Wei Jin understood her heart at this moment, and he didn't say anything more, just kissed her firmly. After a long while, their lips parted.

This kiss left the inexperienced Jing Tian almost unable to breathe.

At this moment, her pretty face was flushed with shyness, but a smile appeared in her eyes as she leaned gently against Wei Jin's shoulder: "Brother Wei Jin, you like me, right?"

"I do."

"Then why haven't you told me all this time? If I hadn't forced you today, how much longer would I have had to wait?"

"I was afraid of being presumptuous."

"Brother Wei Jin, I like you too, I like you so, so much."

Looking at the girl in his arms expressing her feelings without reservation, Wei Jin kissed her again, this time very gently.

Upon learning Wei Jin's feelings, Jing Tian was in a very joyful mood and pulled Wei Jin to show him her bedroom; in the corner of the vanity, there was even a photo of Wei Jin and her when they recorded a song.

"So, you've liked me since then?"

Wei Jin looked at the young girl with some playfulness.

"Don't even mention it, Brother Wei Jin, did you like me from the very first glance? I was only 16 back then."

Jing Tian naturally wouldn't admit defeat; thinking that Wei Jin had liked her first, she looked like a victorious general.

"That's right, but I have enough patience. See, didn't I let—"

"Don't say it, it's so embarrassing. Who acts like you, waiting for a girl to confess first?"

Thinking about the deliberate arrangements for her birthday, Jing Tian's little face burned quite intensely.

Jing Tian had always hoped the two of them could break through the barrier and declare their feelings; this birthday was the perfect opportunity, but she was afraid her mom and dad would overthink it, so she had asked Liu Yan to provide cover.

Not continuing to tease Jing Tian, Wei Jin pulled her into his arms, smelled the unique fragrance of the young girl, and murmured to himself: "Tian Tian, you are my flower of worldly wealth and honor."

"Tian Tian, see if you like the gift I got you."

The two had been lovey-dovey in the bedroom for long enough, so Wei Jin pulled Jing Tian to the living room and handed her the gift.

Jing Tian didn't really care about any birthday gift; to her, the best gift for tonight had already been received.

However, since it was Wei Jin's intention after all, Jing Tian also wanted to know what Wei Jin had prepared for her.

After unwrapping it, Jing Tian discovered it was a novel and a stack of papers; she couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled, set the book aside, and looked at the content on the papers first, then felt a bit surprised:

"Brother Wei Jin, is this an English song? Can... can I sing it well?"

"No problem, as long as you practice more, I believe you definitely can."

The song Wei Jin chose this time was "Dream It Possible," an inspirational song about dreams; the singing difficulty wasn't considered high, but the emotions were very full, so for Jing Tian to sing it well, she still needed to practice more.

"I believe this song can help you open up your popularity internationally."

"Thank you, Brother Wei Jin."

Seeing Jing Tian about to kiss him again, Wei Jin stopped the young girl; this was the living room, and there were other people in the house.

"Remember to read this novel over the next two days; the company has already adapted it, and it's my favorite female character, prepared for you. You're young now, don't resist television dramas; when there are suitable movies, I will arrange them for you."

A few days ago, Liu Yifei had already replied agreeing to play Lu Xueqi, and now that Bi Yao was confirmed, the production team could officially launch the project.

"Mm, I will read it carefully. Brother Wei Jin, you are so good to me."

Jing Tian's heart was filled with sweetness; Wei Jin had planned out her entire path, wasn't this premeditated? For a moment, Jing Tian was already imagining the beautiful life the two would have in the future. New book released, first update today, I humbly request all book friends to reward me with a subscription and a collection, thank you everyone!

(End of this chapter)